A history of the Irish Red Cross

Shane Lehane

"In this history of the society, which was established in 1939, Shane Lehane provides a satisfyingly detailed analysis of the successes and failures of various campaigns, together with the associated financial and political struggles and the inevitable controversies that have characterized 80 years of sustained effort … Lehane’s study of the Irish Red Cross concludes that the “inauguration of the Irish Red Cross Society in 1939 brought something new, necessary and unique to Irish society” (270). This history bears out his assertion that the Irish Red Cross is unique among Irish voluntary organizations, in terms of its legislative foundations, diverse remit and its distinctly Irish and international agendas. This is a very detailed book, the result of diligent archival research. The Irish Red Cross society allowed Lehane unrestricted access to their archives … this is not a hagiography but, rather, a fair-minded and scholarly addition to the histories of social, medical, public health and volunteering efforts in Ireland." Anne MacLellan (Irish Literary Supplement. Fall 2020)